Chapter 34
Grace's POV
In a stunning red gown that seemed designed to stop hearts, she moved through the crowd with practiced grace. Every step, every gesture spoke of old money and breeding. Her smile was dazzling as she approached our table.
"Alex, darling," she purred, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "And this must be the woman who finally captured Alex's heart." Her smile turned toward me, perfect white teeth gleaming. "Congratulations to you both."
"Thank you, Violet," Alex replied, his tone polite but noticeably cooler than before.
"Twenty years we've known each other," she said to me, though her eyes kept flickering back to Alex. "Sometimes timing really is everything, isn't it?"
I maintained my smile, though every instinct was suddenly on high alert. The territorial markers in her body language couldn't have been clearer if she'd physically placed a hand on Alex's shoulder.
"Perhaps we could discuss the Cooper Pharmaceuticals partnership with Morgan International sometime this week?" Her hand brushed Alex's forearm as she spoke. "There are some... details I'd like to go over with you. Privately."
I watched carefully, curious how Alex would handle this obvious test.
"Any business discussions should happen at the office, Violet," he replied, his voice firm. "Not at our engagement party."
She pouted prettily, then stumbled slightly, "losing her balance" in a way that sent her leaning toward Alex, her hand gripping his arm.
In one smooth motion, Alex shifted away while simultaneously catching the eye of Lucas, who materialized at Violet's side in seconds.
"Ms. Cooper, may I show you to your table?" Lucas asked politely.
As Violet was escorted away, Alex turned to me: "Tonight is about our commitment to our future. I won't let anyone hijack that focus."
This gesture made me realize how completely different he was from Richard.
---
"Mother and Father have prepared a suite for you at the Morgan estate," Daisy told me as the party wound down, her eyes hopeful.
"I appreciate that," I replied carefully, "but I need to finish setting up my perfume studio project."
"Of course," Alex interjected, coming to my rescue. "Grace's work is important."
He personally drove me home in his Rolls-Royce, the car's interior enveloping us in comfortable silence. Exhausted, I must have dozed off because when I opened my eyes, we were parked outside my building, and the dashboard clock read 1:17 AM.
"I'm so sorry," I said, horrified to realize he'd been sitting there while I slept.
Alex's tired eyes held nothing but gentle understanding. "Don't apologize. You need more rest. Head up now."
I nodded, not wanting to waste any more of his time. I knew his work would only be busier than mine. But the fact that he still put me first warmed my heart.
---
Laura's POV
Early the next morning, just as I settled at my desk, I noticed countless gazes turning in my direction.
Everyone was staring at me.
"Ms. Parker, the Chairman would like you to come to the President's office," an employee suddenly rushed over and whispered to me.
Upon hearing this news, I dropped the water glass I had just picked up with a loud clatter.
Water splashed all over me, but I had no time to care about that now.
Richard's father? Why would he come to the company today? He had transferred all power in the company to Richard long ago.
Richard had sincerely promised me that his mother wouldn't tell his father about what happened last time.
I immediately grabbed my phone to call Richard, my heart already racing before I heard his voice.
"Richard! Your father is at the company! He looks extremely angry..." I couldn't hide the panic in my voice as I peeked through the office blinds at the commotion near the reception area.
There was a pause on the other end, then Richard responded tensely, "What? Are you sure it's him?"
"Of course I'm sure!" I snapped, immediately regretting my tone. After taking a deep breath, I continued in a softer voice, "I'm sorry. I just... he's never come to the office before."
"I'm downtown at an investment meeting," Richard said in a lowered voice. "Try to stall him. I'll get there as soon as I can."
I nervously glanced at the imposing figure of Holden Harrison, who was speaking with the receptionist. Even from this distance, I could see the tight line of his jaw and how the staff seemed to cower in his presence.
"Richard, I can't face him alone. He's terrifying," I admitted, feeling tightness in my chest.
"Laura, listen to me," Richard's voice briefly softened, "My father may be intimidating, but he's much more reasonable than my mother. Just stay polite, don't volunteer information, and I'll be there soon."
After ending the call, when I looked at his father again, I lost my nerve.
I grabbed my purse and a few personal items from my drawer, my heart pounding violently against my ribs. "No, I can't face him now..." I muttered to myself, heading for the back exit.
My heels clicked rapidly on the marble floor as I mentally rehearsed various excuses. I'll text Richard that I have a family emergency. Emma's school called. Any excuse to avoid this confrontation.
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and I almost sighed with relief, quickly stepping in and frantically pressing the button for the parking garage. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand shot through, forcing them back open.
"Mrs. Parker," the security guard said politely, "Mr. Harrison requests your immediate presence in the executive office."
My blood froze.
The security guard escorted me across the executive floor, past curious glances and whispers.
The security guard opened the heavy double doors, and I walked in feeling like I was approaching my execution.
Holden Harrison sat behind Richard's desk, his silver hair perfectly groomed, his custom suit impeccable. His presence seemed to fill the enormous corner office, somehow making it feel smaller. Spread across the desk were company performance reports and—my heart skipped a beat.